“Ring-a-ring-a-roses” refers to the bubonic plague in London. First round marks would appear on the skin; people carried bunches offlowers and herbs to protect themselves from the disease (& the small!) “Attishoo, attishoo” – they became really ill..We all fall down, i.e. they dropped dead. “Jack and Jill” refers to the unfortunate Jacobean James II who “lost his crown” at the Battle of the Boyne. As for “The Grand Old Duke of York” who achieved strictly nothing..well he marched his men up and down the hill, didn’t he?
Plods with ...™ almost 9 years ago
Perspective.
erin.adamic Premium Member almost 9 years ago
Really?? That’s fascinating. Thanks for the background!
Helen Ferrieux almost 9 years ago
“Ring-a-ring-a-roses” refers to the bubonic plague in London. First round marks would appear on the skin; people carried bunches offlowers and herbs to protect themselves from the disease (& the small!) “Attishoo, attishoo” – they became really ill..We all fall down, i.e. they dropped dead. “Jack and Jill” refers to the unfortunate Jacobean James II who “lost his crown” at the Battle of the Boyne. As for “The Grand Old Duke of York” who achieved strictly nothing..well he marched his men up and down the hill, didn’t he?